Collagen is an essential protein for the human body. Bones, muscles, blood vessels, joints, skin, and even tendons all have an extracellular matrix rich in collagen.
Its role: to hold tissues together like glue, and provide them with strength and elasticity.
However, as we age, our collagen synthesis decreases. This natural decline has consequences that we all notice, such as the appearance of wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, joint pain.
Taking dietary supplements to minimize these effects can be an interesting solution. And while marine collagen supplements are often praised for their benefits, there is also another type of collagen available on the market: bovine collagen.
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How is bovine collagen made?
A product from the food industry
Bovine collagen comes from by-products of the meat industry. Bones, skins, and tendons from cows, which are considered “waste” by the food industry, are used to make the supplements.
The manufacturing process
The cleaned and defatted raw materials then undergo chemical or enzymatic treatment to isolate and extract collagen molecules.
Once extracted and purified, they are subjected to further treatments to convert from native collagen (the entire molecule) to collagen peptides, which are more easily absorbed by the body.
Finally, to obtain the well-known powder used in supplements, everything undergoes a drying phase.
A neutral taste
Don’t worry, this animal-based powder product does not taste like meat. When it’s “natural”, bovine collagen has a neutral taste and can be mixed with your drinks. Some brands also consider adding flavors (peach, lemon, etc.) to make the experience more enjoyable.
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What is its molecular composition?
Bovine collagen has a composition and structure relatively close to that found in humans, which is described in this study.
Bovine-derived supplements generally contain type I and type III collagen. However, the type of collagen matters little, as they are presented in the form of peptides and therefore no longer have a particular characteristic structure.
As for amino acids, glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline are predominant. I also noted this study comparing bovine and marine collagen.
Even though the general composition is similar, it is far from identical. Bovine collagen contains about 30% more hydroxyproline than marine-derived collagen.
What are the benefits of bovine collagen?
Studies do not always specify its origin
Bovine collagen has the same benefits as marine collagen. Scientific studies do not always specify the origin of the dietary supplements used in their research.
The main advantage of bovine collagen compared to fish-derived collagen? Its price is lower while maintaining good effectiveness.
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Increased joint comfort
Clinical studies conducted on athletes and people suffering from osteoarthritis have shown that collagen supplementation can improve joint comfort and reduce the intensity of painful symptoms.
An anti-aging supplement for the skin
This 2020 review including over 10 scientific publications analyzed the results of collagen supplementation on skin effects.
The results are encouraging as it seems that the consumption of hydrolyzed peptides would be beneficial for the appearance of the epidermis.
Improvement in recovery after sports
Other recent scientific research I found suggests the benefits of collagen supplementation for athletes, without specifying the source of the supplement.
Furthermore, the protein would facilitate recovery, enable a better body composition, and promote muscle strength.
What are its drawbacks?
Bovine collagen has few drawbacks. Some research suggests it may have poorer absorption than marine collagen, and therefore less effectiveness.
However, the differences between the two products remain minimal.
Some people may be allergic to derivatives of bovine products, which can cause itching and skin rashes.
Depending on the farming and the origin of raw materials, collagen can pose ethical issues for people committed to animal welfare causes.
However, there are certifications and patented collagens like Peptan® or Naticol® collagen that ensure the living conditions of animals.
Is bovine collagen safe to use?
Dietary supplements containing bovine collagen are considered risk-free for the consumer, when taken at the correct dosage and following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Some prejudices may still persist. I am especially thinking of the mad cow disease scandal and animal feed. Rest assured, this type of by-product has been banned by European regulations since 2001.
For safe use, I therefore advise you to carefully select your dietary supplement and to favor European, even French brands, where safety and quality standards are strict.
Sources and Scientific Studies
Mienaltowski MJ, Birk DE, 2014, Structure, physiology, and biochemistry of collagens.
Gauza-Włodarczyk M, Kubisz L, Włodarczyk D, 2017, Amino acid composition in determination of collagen origin and assessment of physical factors effects.
Figueres Juher T, Basés Pérez E, 2015, An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen intake on joint and bone health and on skin aging.
Barati M, Jabbari M, Navekar R, Farahmand F, Zeinalian R, 2020, Collagen supplementation for skin health: A mechanistic systematic review.
Kviatkovsky SA, Hickner RC, Ormsbee MJ, 2022, Collagen peptide supplementation for pain and function: is it effective?
de Souza A, de Almeida Cruz M, de Araújo TAT, 2022, Fish collagen for skin wound healing: a systematic review in experimental animal studies.
